New interim CEO appointed at Gold Country Fairgrounds, focuses on community and events

Gold Country Fairgrounds appointed Andrew Trygg as interim chief executive officer. Trygg, who is the CEO for Nevada County Fairgrounds, will manage the Gold Country Fairgrounds under a joint agreement until Dec. 31 while the Gold Country Board continues to recruit for a full-time CEO. Under the agreement between the two fairgrounds, Trygg continues to receive his current salary, but Gold Country Fairgrounds will reimburse Nevada County Fairgrounds for the hours Trygg spends on Gold Country operations. The arrangement is not unique to the State of California, which owns and partially funds the fairgrounds. The Ventura County and Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds also share a CEO. "We have talented staff in the offices, and I am able to do a number of things remotely," said Trygg, who believes his ability to manage both operations stems from the strength of each fairgrounds staff. Nevada County Fairgrounds also has a deputy manager, Katie Bielen, who will assist with Nevada County Fairgrounds operations and the Gold Country Fairgrounds livestock competitions and showcases. Bielen will also work on a reimbursable hourly basis. The first priority tackled under Trygg's leadership was rescheduling the Gold Country Fair in light of the State Fair shifting its dates from July to the end of September. After working with the Placer County agricultural community and Butler Amusements, Inc., which operates the carnival, all parties agreed to move the fair back one week to Labor Day weekend starting in 2027. "The livestock folks are OK with it," said Trygg. "Some of the directors think it might actually help with attendance. There are two other fairs in the state that operate over Labor Day weekend, and both are successful." The State Fair shift also affected the Nevada County Fair, which will move from August to July. With the fair date move decided, Trygg will focus on the next priorities, which include increasing the interim rentals and strengthening the relationship with the community. Trygg has already met with Auburn City Manager Sean Rabé. "The city looks forward to furthering the ongoing positive relationship with the Gold Country Fairgrounds," Rabé said. Rabé and Trygg recently discussed the 4th of July celebration. "We're particularly thankful for the partnership between the fairgrounds and the city for the Independence Day fireworks," said Rabé. "Interim CEO Trygg has agreed to provide a no-cost contract for the horse arena where the fireworks are lit, and Mr. Trygg said the fairgrounds will host vendors for this year's show. That type of cooperative relationship is central to the success of the event." The city will sponsor the fireworks, and Gold Country Fairgrounds will have music, food and other vendors and crafts and activities for kids. Gold Country is currently looking for two local bands to play at the event. "This is a unique opportunity to feature local bands that want to play here," said Trygg. The bands will play until dusk with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Admission to the event will be free but parking will be $10. With July 4 occurring on a Saturday, Fast Fridays will also be in operation. The activity at the fairgrounds will start at 4 p.m., which rounds out the day that starts with the Chamber of Commerce Family Fourth inaugural mile at 9 a.m., the parade at 10 a.m. and the downtown celebration that goes until 2 p.m. A Nevada County native, Trygg spent his career with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office in dispatch and later managing administrative services. Throughout the years, he has worked at the fairgrounds in a variety of capacities starting at the age of 15. Trygg served on the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board for 12 years and has been the Nevada County Fairgrounds CEO since January 2023. Trygg will be at the Gold Country Fairgrounds on Wednesdays, Fridays and board-meeting Thursdays. "I want to welcome community events back and put on a great fair that everyone knows and loves," said Trygg, who is excited about the potential of the Gold Country Fairgrounds. "I do this work for the love of the industry, for the love of fairgrounds and the love of community. We say once the fair bug bites you, it gets in your blood. I'm having a blast."